Fall 2022 In-Studio Performances
We regularly present two live performance series at the The Dresher Ensemble Studio in West Oakland: In Studio Performances, a multi-disciplinary time-based arts series that presents artists working in both contemporary and traditional performing art forms — theater, dance, and music — from all over the world; and West Oakland Session co-presented with Jazz in The Neighborhood with a focus on jazz, improvised and “creative” music.
The Dresher Ensemble Studio is located in West Oakland (very near the Bay Bridge) in a large building whose entrance is at 2201 Poplar Street, Oakland, at the corner of Poplar and West Grand Ave. Street parking is easily accessible. Seating is limited – Tickets should be purchased in advance.
To ensure both the performers’ and the audience’s safety, we require that everyone attending has been vaccinated and will wear a mask. Read our Covid policies.
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Sunday, December 11, 2022 – 4 PM
Akira Tana and Otonowa
The group members are, in addition to drummer and leader Akira Tana, pianist Ben Stolorow, reed specialist Masaru Koga, and bassist Ken Noriyuki Okada. Guest performer Jimi Nakagawa joins on Taiko drums for this performance.
WEST OAKLAND SESSIONS presented in partnership with Jazz in the Neighborhood sponsored by Jambar
Inspired by the tragic events in 2011 following the earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan (Tohoku), Otonowa was formed to provide spiritual healing through music to the communities devastated by these tragic events that claimed over 20,000 lives. The group toured Tohoku for seven consecutive years before the pandemic. Three recordings were made and the group is presently celebrating the release of their fourth recording, “Wind and Light.” The music Otonowa plays are jazz interpretations of Japanese folk and pop melodies, some dating back to the 1700s. The group employs traditional Japanese instruments like the shakuhachi, fue, and fan drums, in addition to instruments traditionally used in a jazz ensemble — bass, piano, drums, and wind instruments. [Artist Website] [Listen to Otonowa on YouTube]
Our Covid Policy